Sasadu Traditional House

Architectural Philosophy and Cultural Space

The uniqueness of Sasadu lies in its open architectural design without walls. This symbolizes the openness of the Sahu people towards guests and transparency in customary decision-making. Its roof, made of woven sago leaves tied with ijuk (palm fiber) ropes, reflects harmony. One of the most prominent features is the lower-pitched roof ends, which compel everyone entering to bow their heads as a sign of respect to the host and ancestors.

Inside Sasadu, the seating arrangement is organized based on social strata and customary functions, yet it upholds the principle of equality in deliberation. This space bears silent witness to how customary law is administered and how conflicts are resolved through dialogue led by the Walasae (customary leaders).

Cultural Activities and Preservation Programs

As a center for cultural activities, Sasadu hosts various regular programs aimed at maintaining the relevance of Sahu traditions in the digital era. The main programs include:

1. Sasadu Customary School: This is a non-formal educational initiative where customary elders teach the younger generation about family lineage, the Sahu language, and etiquette (tata krama). Children are taught to understand the philosophy behind every wood carving that adorns the pillars of Sasadu.

2. Handicraft Workshops: In the areas surrounding Sasadu, training sessions are often held for making West Halmahera's distinctive woven fabrics and bamboo crafts. Participants are taught how to extract natural dyes from forest plants to create motifs that tell stories about the nature of North Maluku.

3. Performing Arts Practice: Every afternoon, the Sasadu courtyard becomes a practice ground for local dance groups. This is not just physical training but also a deepening of the philosophical meaning behind each danced movement.

Variety of Traditional Arts and Performances

Sasadu is the main stage for the world-renowned arts of the Sahu people. Two of the most iconic performances are:

• Legu Salai Dance: This dance is a form of expressing joy and gratitude. Its graceful movements reflect the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. In the context of a cultural center, this dance is often performed to welcome honored guests as a form of the highest respect.
• Hitada Bamboo Music: This musical performance uses instruments made from pieces of bamboo that are struck against the ground or wooden boards, producing synchronized and energetic rhythms. This music usually accompanies customary processions and symbolizes the collectivity of the community.

In addition, Sasadu also serves as a place for preserving Oro, which is an oral tradition in the form of songs or praises that recount the history of local heroes and the origins of the village.

Orom Sasadu Festival: The Climax of Cultural Celebration

The most anticipated event at this cultural center is the Orom Sasadu Festival or the harvest celebration. This festival is a manifestation of the Sahu people's gratitude for the abundant harvest. During the festival, Sasadu becomes the center of gravity for thousands of people.

During this festival, the Makan Adat (Customary Feast) ritual is performed on a grand scale. The community brings their best produce to be cooked and eaten together inside Sasadu. Uniquely, this celebration can last for two to three days non-stop, with music and dance never ceasing to echo. This festival is not just a party but a ritual to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between villages in West Halmahera.

Role in Local Cultural Development

The existence of Sasadu as a cultural center has a significant impact on regional development. West Halmahera is now known as a premier cultural tourism destination in North Maluku thanks to the consistent management of Sasadu. The local government utilizes Sasadu as an icon in the Jailolo Bay Festival, which attracts domestic and international tourists.

Economically, Sasadu acts as a catalyst for the creative economy. Traditional culinary products such as Nasi Kembar (rice cooked in bamboo) and processed walnuts become sought-after commodities by tourists visiting Sasadu. This creates an ecosystem where cultural preservation goes hand in hand with improving community welfare.

Preserving Cultural Heritage in the Modern Era

The biggest challenge for Sasadu Traditional House is maintaining the authenticity of its structure and values amidst the currents of modernization. Physical conservation efforts are carried out periodically, especially for the nipa palm roof sections that need to be replaced every few years. The process of replacing the roof itself is done through mutual cooperation (gotong royong or bari), which is a practice of preserving the value of cooperation.

Cultural digitalization is also being implemented. Documentation of rituals, recording of traditional music, and mapping of oral history are currently being developed in the form of digital archives accessible to researchers and the wider community. This ensures that the knowledge stored within Sasadu will not be lost even when the customary elders are gone.

Conclusion

Sasadu Traditional House in West Halmahera stands as a beacon of identity for the Sahu people. As a cultural center, it is not merely a static museum but a dynamic and living entity. Through the integration of philosophical architecture, performing arts, gratitude rituals, and structured educational programs, Sasadu has successfully proven that local traditions can be a strong foundation for building national character. Under its nipa palm roof, the past is honored, the present is celebrated, and the future is prepared with great wisdom.